Keeping your baby safe is of the utmost importance, and a bassinet can be a great option for the first few months of your baby's life. However, it's essential to make sure that your bassinet is as safe as possible by using proper fitting sheets, using the mattress that comes with the bassinet, keeping the bassinet free of toys and other items, and keeping the bassinet close to you.
The Many Benefits of A Bassinet
There are many benefits to using a bassinet. It’s great for nursing moms. It’s also good for moms who are recovering from a C-section because it’s easier to reach the baby without too much moving and bending. For anxious first-time parents, having their baby within arm’s reach in a bassinet is calming…maybe even more so than using a baby monitor.
From a space-saving perspective there are several styles of bassinets that are designed to have a smaller imprint which is great for apartment dwellers or when visiting family.
What the Experts Are Saying
According to experts, including pediatrician Dr. William Sears, a bedside bassinet, like those from Arm’s Reach®, offers optimal sleep distance from baby to parent. Babies are close enough for feedings and soothing, but are not in the same bed which can result in a dangerous situation for the baby. Dr. Sears comments, “I believe the safest place for most babies to sleep is in an Arm’s Reach® Bedside Co-sleeper® bassinet. If a mom is breastfeeding, having her baby too close can encourage a baby to be an ‘all night’ feeder, but having your baby too far can cause the infant to become afraid, looking for comfort. The Arm’s Reach Co-sleeper® seems to be the ideal distance for mom and baby to get the best night’s sleep.”
Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announced that the safest place to have an infant sleep for the first six months is in the same room as the parents. Specifically, the AAP recommends that a baby have their own separate space free of blankets, toys, or bumpers.
Arm’s Reach, As Recommended by Experts
For over 25 years, Arm’s Reach has been providing parents with a selection of bassinets that support bonding, keep babies calmer, facilitate breast and late-night feedings, and keep babies within arm’s reach. The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper® Baby Bassinet was the first patented co-sleeping product on the market that attaches securely to a parent’s bed, so they truly understand everything that’s needed to create a safe and comfortable space for a baby.
Top Picks From Arm’s Reach
- The Clear-Vue™ Co-Sleeper® enables parents to reach over and draw your baby close for feeding, comforting and bonding. The innovative design has built in leg extensions to adjust to varying bed heights, and four castor wheels for easy mobility around the house. This bassinet also has the convenience of a large attached storage basket.
- The Cambria Co-Sleeper® bedside bassinet is an elegant bassinet choice featuring beautifully curved wooden ends. This bassinet has mesh sides making for great visibility and airflow.
- Designed to be adjustable in height, the Versatile™ fits all types of beds and is ideal for small spaces.
Other Sleep Tips from Experts
Rebecca Michi, Children’s Sleep Consultant is known for her work with families who need some extra support getting their baby to sleep. Following the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Michi also recommends that babies always be placed on their backs. She also tells parents to check for loose bedding and to make sure that the bassinet does not have toys, blankets, or crib bumpers. These can all be dangerous.